01/06/2026
2 June is a huge date for Italy — it’s Festa della Repubblica, their National Day 🇮🇹
What happened on 2 June in Italian history:
2 June 1946 - Birth of the Italian Republic
This is the main event. Italians voted in a referendum to choose between monarchy and republic after WWII + fall of Fascism.
Results:
Republic: 12.7 million votes = 54.3%
Monarchy: 10.7 million votes = 45.7%
King Umberto II went into exile 2 days later. From then Italy became the "Repubblica Italiana". That’s why 2 June is a national holiday.
First Festa della Repubblica parade - 2 June 1947
First military parade in Rome on Via dei Fori Imperiali. Still happens every year with the President, Frecce Tricolori air show, and opening of Quirinale gardens.
Other 2 June events
1798: Rome becomes the Roman Republic for a short time during Napoleonic wars
1963: Pope John XXIII died on 3 June, but 2 June was his last public blessing
1979: First European Parliament elections where Italians could vote
How Italy celebrates today
Military parade in Rome with President Mattarella laying wreath at Altare della Patria
Frecce Tricolori fly over Rome trailing green-white-red smoke
Quirinale gardens open to public for free
Concerts + events in every city.
